Holiday Lights: Six of Wisconsin's Most Dazzling Shows

Last Updated: 10/30/2018

Mariah Haberman is one of the hosts of Discover Wisconsin, the nation’s longest-running travel TV show.

Christmas Lights and Holiday Shows

You wanna know one of the best things about living or visiting a state like Wisconsin this time of year? You get that authentic wintry experience…no palm trees with Christmas lights here! Picture millions of glittering lights at dozens of dazzling shows with historic homes, festive downtowns and shimmering pines as the backdrop. Wisconsin is one of the best places to catch a stunning holiday lights show and here are just a handful of the state’s brightest destinations around the holidays:

Insider Tip: Rotary’s display of more than three million sparkling lights along the Mississippi River began in 1995 as a cooperative effort between the La Crosse area’s Rotary clubs. The festivities now include live reindeer, Rotary Lights Parade, an Ugly Sweater 5k Run and more!

Rotary Botanical GardensOpen weekends late November - December and select weekdays over the holidays. Cost: $5

Insider Tip: The festive garden paths come to life with more than a 400,000 lights, 100 adorned trees, more than 2,500 luminaries and more! Live music, selfie stops and indoor displays too. Buy your tickets online before you visit to save time.

Insider Tip: Walk the trail or take a horse-drawn wagon ride. After you enjoy the light tour, snap a pic with Santa and then get a little holiday gift shopping in at the WPS Trellis Gift Shop at the Emil & Gail Fischer Visitor Center.

Downtown MilwaukeeDaily through January 1Cost: Rates vary for activities

Insider Tip: Walk through downtown parks glowing with holiday lights or attend one of the many scheduled activities throughout the festival. Jump on the Jingle Bus for a 40-minute tour with narration by Milwaukee Downtown’s Public Service Ambassadors, who highlight downtown landmarks and the most decorated scenes. (The best part: rides are just $1 per person!)

Mariah Haberman is one of the hosts of Discover Wisconsin, the nation’s longest-running travel TV show. She hails from Evansville, where she was brought up in a family of seven in a small farmhouse outside of town. Some of her favorite memories include Lake Michigan fishing trips with her Dad, showing sheep at the Rock County Fair and buzzing around the farm on an ATV with her little brother. Tweet her: @MariahHaberman